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Ukraine Moves Reflect Moscow's Long Shadow

Parliament Ratifies Deal with Europe After Concessions, While Rebels Hedge on Autonomy Plan

Ukraine ratified a trade deal with the European Union on Tuesday in what President Petro Poroshenko called a first step toward eventual membership in the bloc. Meanwhile, demonstrators protested outside Parliament in Kiev, and shelling has continued in eastern Ukraine despite a two-week long cease-fire. (Photo: AP)

Ukraine sought to draw a line under its confrontation with Moscow by ratifying a landmark trade-and-political deal with the European Union and approving limited autonomy for territories now controlled by Russia-backed separatists.

But with full implementation of the EU deal postponed under Russian pressure, and the rebels insisting on independence, the developments illustrated Kiev's weakened position—almost a year after Moscow began...